My friend Adeel Chowdhry sent an interesting note out the other day about finding your next million dollar idea. In the interests of full disclosure, I found his note interesting because I agree with his suggestions – I’m predictable like that…

The fact is, Adeel has had several successful million-dollar ideas, so it is worth contemplating his advice.

1. BUY A NOTEBOOK

Buy a small notebook that will fit in your pocket, so it is with you all the time. Include a small stubby pencil or pen. OK, for the more enlightened of you, yes, you can use an app on your phone. Check, you probably already have one, but there are lots of free ones.

How many times have you had a brilliant idea pop into your head and by the time you want to explore it, it’s gone? Had you jotted down a few brief words, you could return to the thought process easily. This is even more noticeable with dreams – put the notebook beside your bed, your TV chair, or get a separate one. A Dollar Store is probably a good place to get a supply of notebooks.

Yes, you might need a waterproof one for the shower.

2. GO FOR A WALK

Walk every day. Not for exercise, but for inspiration. A short walk of 30 minutes, but we could split it up into 3 ten-minute walks. How about after eating and it can benefit your digestion too? These are walks for your mind to explore anything that pops up. No agenda necessary; just let it roll. Take your notebook and jot down anything interesting.

A previous blog might give you some strategy ideas for your walk in the park.

Don’t use the weather as an excuse since you have all the proper clothing to go outside in sleet, snow, sun and dark of night. This daily habit pays big dividends and gets better the more you do it. If you need inspiration for a much longer hike, I know this great guy who wrote a book about his epic adventure.

3. TURN OFF THE MUSIC

Take those white earbuds out for this exercise. This is quiet time to let your mind do its thing. You don’t need a friend rattling off stuff in your ear either. Don’t take anyone with you and don’t answer your phone. Thirty minutes to allow your mind to percolate. It’s not exactly a meditation but a few minutes focussed on letting ideas come into being.

Walk in silence and let your mind wander – that’s where your next million-dollar idea is.

In the event you would like to see what Adeel’s million-dollar idea was, go here. I use it every day.

And if you also wish to include some meditation in your daily routine, try reading this.